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Courses and Coaching

The evening goes...

7:00pm Club Warm-Up (taken by one of our three coaches)
7:30pm Club Fencing and Beginners' Class
8:45pm Beginners' Class Ends
9:15pm Club Closes
9:30pm Social Drinks at our Local

2010 DATES:
22 February, 12 April

Beginners' Courses (no previous experience necessary) - BOOK NOW!

  • All courses are open to both men and women members and the customary starting ages is sixteen years old. There is no upper age limit.
  • We believe in providing a thorough grounding in the techniques and skills of this wonderful sport. Our aim is that Beginners at the end of their six week introductory course will know and be acquainted with enough fundamental movements to embark on freeplay, fencing with an opponent.
  • You will learn to coordinate hands and feet, learn the correct names of the various movements, be taught a solid base in essential footwork and blade play. You will learn different attacks and methods of defence which, like driving a car will ultimately become automatic. Your reactions will get faster whilst you analyse your opponents play and test your skills as you outmanoeuvre and outwit them.
  • You will not be "thrown in at the deep end" fencing before you are ready. Nor will you find yourself fencing against someone who is more advanced than yourself, until you are ready!
  • The Club meets Monday and Wednesday throughout the year, apart from bank holidays and three weeks over the Christmas period.
  • Note that Swash & Buckle is now focussing on stage combat corporate events or fencing for team building. Our beginners courses are all run by Central London Fencing Club (same venue, coach, format). Book through this site using paypal.

    Next Beginners' Fencing Class

    14 October, 25 November

    What Next?

    On completion of the beginners course you are invited to become a Club member. Thereafter we offer intermediate classes and members may take forward their training with club lessons or private one-to-one lessons or both. Check fees.

    Members' Courses - BOOK NOW!

    Children's Classes

    This takes place every Wednesday between 6:30pm and 7:30pm. It can be joined at any time and runs throughout the year. Check fees.

    Personal Coaching

    Private lessons can be arranged, please email swashandbuckle@aol.com or speak to Ray Vallins at the Club during club opening times. Check fees.

    Advanced Coaching

    Individual lessons are available for advanced fencers. Members always have priority for individual lessons. Enquiries for non-members for private lessons should be addressed to Jacqueline McLean on 020 7404 3859, and are charged at a higher rate. Alternatively, speak to Ray Vallins at the Club during normal club opening hours. Check fees.


    For further information please email swashandbuckle@aol.com or call Jacqueline McLean on 020 74043859 or the club mobile on 07906544927 or club line 020 8829 9947 or 020 8829 9947.

    Requirements

    No prior knowledge or experience for the adults' group is required. Members' ages range from 16 to 70+. All are welcome but those under 16 should go to the children's group. The minimum age for adults is 16. You should bring clothing in which you can move easily (e.g. T-shirt, tracksuit bottoms or leggings and trainers). We recommend you also bring some drinking water with you.

    Coaches

    Jean-Christophe Guilbert
    Head Coach

    French Fencing Master from L'Ecole Nationale Francais de Maitres d'armes. 20 years+ coaching experience in France, USA the UK (incl. Imperial College University). Jean Chistophe has worked with numerous French, American and British International fencers.

    Leo Suarez
    Coach

    Leo has been coaching competitive fencers in London for several years. He is a highly experienced coach and former member of the Cuban National Fencing Team (1997). He won a gold medal in the Men's team Foil Competition at the Central Caribbean Games (1993) and at the Junior National Championships won gold (1991) and a special recognitions award for Best Technique.

    Nick Payne
    Coach

    Nick has fenced for 25 years + at all levels up to World Championship. British Senior Team Championship (Gold medal 1992, 1997, 1998). Level 3 British Fencing Coach. Level 1 Australian Coaching Foundation. 1990 British Under 20 Champion. 2002 Commonwealth Fencing Championships, Bronze medal Mens' team. England Captain 5 Nations. Mens' Foil Fencing; 2005 & 2006 Victorian State Foil Champion (Australia), 2007 Coach at Imperial College London.

    Zsolt Vadaszffy
    Founding Coach

    Hungarian - pentathlon coach. Former Hungarian foil champion and British Professional Epee Champion. He was senior coach to the British under 20 team for 8 years (his pupil Justin Pitman was 3 times world finalist in foil). Zsolt was also personal coach to Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson.


    • Swash & Buckle - London's Premier Fencing Club
    Tel: 020 7404 3859 or 07906 544927 (mobile)

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